Chapter 21
Marian woke up, she tried to get up but her attempt failed as pain struck her entire body. Olga was there and came behind her to prop her up on the pillows behind her. She gave Marian the vial that eased her pain and she drank it, the pain decreasing after a few moments. Her entire body was covered in bruises that still hurt her, but not as much as her heart. It would not bother her that much if the situation was different, but it was not, and she couldn´t ignore the anger she felt towards Sebastian, she felt betrayed and she wondered if she could trust him ever again. She looked out of the window and saw it is almost noon, she was so exhausted she almost slept the day through before Olga came and gently she washed up Marian´s face. A few moments later Aleksandra entered her room with Anya on her side as she walked towards Marian, sitting down next to her.
"How are you Marian?"
"My body is fine, but my heart and soul are a mess." Aleksandra understood her completely, she knew how much Marian cared for Sebastian, to find out that he had kissed another woman when she was not here must have been hard for her. It made her doubt his love and truthfulness towards her, and that was the worst feeling a lover can have. Aleksandra patted her hand on the bed as she gave her a weak smile.
"I know, but also remember how much he did for you just to keep you..."
"I know it´s just, when you hear things like that, your mind shows you exactly what you don´t want to see. What if they have even slept with each other but they are hiding it from me?" Aleksandra shook her head in disbelief.
"Now THAT he didn´t do, I guarantee you. It was a slip, surely he was a little drunk and he mistook her with you. I mean you both look almost the same." Aleksandra wanted to give her a little comfort, but to no avail. Marian just stared out of the window and watched the birds flying away.
"How will I ever forget that? That he betrayed me like this?" Aleksandra let out a long breath as she watched Marian.
"Now, now, Marian. You love him don´t you? And love conquers all, if I am not mistaken. Besides, you decided to marry in two weeks. Surely you don´t want to blow off the wedding?" Marian turned her head towards Aleksandra and she could see the doubt written on her face. Aleksandra grabbed her hand as she gave her a serious look on her face.
"Marian, you LOVE him and you WILL marry him! Have I made myself clear?" Marian just nodded in response before she asked her.
"Have you seen him, Aleksandra?" Aleksandra looked at Marian not knowing if she should tell her, but then again what the heck.
"He is in his study taking as much meetings as he can. He thinks that you don´t want to see him so he is going to occupy his mind as much as he can. He is heartbroken, Marian."
"So am I, and I was not kissing other men around when I waited for him!" Aleksandra let out a frustrated sigh as she realized that she couldn´t get pass her stubbornness. Olga entered the room with a trait on her hands and she put it down on the bedside table. Aleksandra took the trait and wanted to feed Marian, but Marian refused to eat from her as she snatched the trait away from her. Aleksandra stood up and walked to the window overlooking the garden, there she saw Rozalyn sitting on a bench and suddenly anger filled her mind. She turned and looked at Marian; somehow, she tried to hide her anger as she spoke to her.
"I am going out to the gardens, if you don´t need me." Marian just nodded in response and Aleksandra turned and left her room. She walked out slowly before she closed the door behind her, then she started to walk in a hastened pace towards the garden, the anger boiling up inside her. A few moments later, she came to the gardens and Rozalyn was still sitting on the same bench. Aleksandra walked towards her and stopped in front of her. Rozalyn looked at the ground before her as she felt someone standing in the front; she slowly lifted her head to look at the figure that stood before her. When she lifted her head enough to see whom it was she hastily stood up and bowed. Gee, now she is going to scold me, too, lucky me.
"Excuse me Sultana, I haven´t seen you..." Aleksandra lifted her head to look down on her and she had to suppress the urge to hit her. Aleksandra took a deep breath as she came even closer to her face now, her eyes flaring with anger anf hatred.
"Rozalyn… how are you?" Her voice was surprisingly calm but her eyes gave her away. Rozalyn lifted her head in confusion, blinking rapidly at her as she tried to figure out why she is asking her such a question.
"I am well, Sultana."
"Hmm." Aleksandra nodded before she answered her, feeling disgust towards Rozalyn.
"Of course you are all right; you are the reason why a once happy couple is now unhappy." Rozalyn took a deep breath as she carefully chose her words. She was afraid of the Sultana; no matter how skilled she was as an assassin, she was still the daughter of a mighty Sultan. She let out the breath she was holding before she spoke to her.
"Sultana… It´s not how it seems…"
"THEN TELL ME HOW DOES IT SEEM!" Aleksandra yelled at her and the guards shifted nervously from one leg to the other. Ibrahim was there and he reassured them that everything was fine. Aleksandra watched her with narrowed eyes full with anger, her breathing uneven as she awaited her answer. Rozalyn just watched the ground and she hadn´t the courage to speak. Aleksandra laughed mockingly before she lowered her voice again.
"You can´t even answer that? How disappointing…" She turned her head away for a moment before she looked at her again.
"Do you know what damage you have caused them?" She asked her in a low and calm voice, but her eyes were the exact opposite of calm. Rozalyn took the courage to look at the Sultana before she found the strength to speak.
"It is his fault as well as mine…"
"HE WAS DRUNK AND YOU USED HIM!" She yelled at her again and Ibrahim had to come up from behind.
"Sultana…"
"Leave Ibrahim, I won´t yell again…" He bowed and left the two women alone as he saw that the Sultana was close in losing her temper. Rozalyn´s heart raced in her chest because she knew that Sebastian gave her the same authority as she had in Antiva, she could kill her right now if she wanted to. Aleksandra watched the futures of her face and she knew that she was afraid of her, and she couldn´t ignore the rush if happiness as she saw her shaking body. Her eyes flared at her as she spoke to her in a low and threatening tone in her voice.
"Rozalyn… I don´t care from which assassin clan you are, if I tell them what you have caused… surely you will be banned from the ranks, and I can hardly imagine that this is what you want." Rozalyn looked at her again as her mouth fell open a little.
"Sultana…"
"I don´t care who started the kiss, or who´s idea it was. If he was drunk, why haven´t you stopped him? Why haven´t you pushed him away?" Rozalyn took a deep breath as she closed her eyes for a moment to settle her mind and to tell her what she really felt for Sebastian.
"Sultana, because I…"
"Choose your words carefully, Rozalyn… Very carefully." Aleksandra threatened her and eyed her angrily as she awaited Rozalyn´s answer. She saw that her entire body shook, much to her pleasure, but she wanted the answer to her question. When she saw that she would get none, she grabbed her chin with her entire hand and forced her to look at her, her eyes burning with hatred and her body shaking with rage.
"If I see you near him or her again, no matter on what business, do you know what I will do to you then? Do you know what kind of power I posses here and elsewhere?" Aleksandra whispered to her in an angry tone in her voice, Rozalyn realized that her life was on the line if she made her angry again. If the clan would find out about this then they would abandon her, if not even kill her. She couldn´t leave the contract either because they would see it as failure and kill her then. Rozalyn closed her eyes for a moment before she opened them again, only to see pure hatred and rage in the Sultana´s eyes.
"Yes Sultana…" Aleksandra roughly released her chin as she lifted her head to look down on her.
"You have only one more chance, Rozalyn, and start praying to the Maker that she forgives him… Otherwise, I won´t be responsible for my actions." Aleksandra turned and left, Rozalyn hastily bowed to her in respect. She knew that the Sultana wasn´t joking and she knew that she was serious, deadly serious about this. Rozalyn shook her head in hope to clear her mind of the fear and guilt she felt as she made her way back to her chambers, silently praying to the Maker that Sebastian and Marian would find to each other again.
####
Aleksandra came to her room, her head aching and her heart racing with rage. This entire time she had to suppress the urge to kill her with her bare hands, but that wouldn´t do her any good. In Antiva, she would have been permitted to kill her like that, but the laws here were different and she had to respect that. Aleksandra sat down and rubbed her forehead in hope to ease the headache as she ordered her servant to bring her tea. Suddenly someone entered her room and her eyes widened as she saw Sebastian entering.
"Sebastian, what are you doing here? I thought you had appointments to attend to?" Aleksandra patted the place next to her and Sebastian hesitantly took his seat. He rubbed his hands nervously, his eyes looking around the room and Aleksandra wondered why he acted like this.
"Why are you so nervous, Sebastian?" He turned his head back to her and smiled weakly before he spoke.
"I saw you talking with Rozalyn earlier…" Aleksandra closed her eyes and her headache immediately returned. Sebastian noticed her tension and he felt sorry for bringing up the subject.
"I am sorry…" Then she turned to him as she looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"You don´t have to apologize, Sebastian, it´s not your fault."
"But… She said it was her kiss as well as mine…" Aleksandra let out a long and frustrated breath before she placed her hand on his shoulder.
"First of all, you were not by your senses, otherwise you wouldn´t have kissed her. Second, she knew you were drunk but still she kissed you back. Besides, she looks the same as Marian, who would not think that she was her?" Sebastian gave her a weak smile as he closed his eyes for a moment.
"Thank you, Aleksandra, for being there for us, especially for Marian." Then his face grew sad as he looked at the floor before him.
"How is she?" Aleksandra watched him and her heart hurt as she saw his childhood friend hurt like that.
"She is fine. She ate a little this morning, but she keeps telling me that nothing hurts her more than her heart. She misses you, but she is still angry at you." Sebastian smiled a little as he heard that she at least thought about him.
"What is the healer saying?"
"She is getting better, and she will heal completely for a week if she keeps using the medicine." Aleksandra watched him as Anya brought her tea.
"Do you want tea as well?" Sebastian shook his head as he stood up and Aleksandra followed him.
"No, I have an appointment with the traders. They have some problems with the trade routes I sat up for them so I have to go and clear the problem." He turned and started to leave, but Aleksandra´s voice stopped him.
"Sebastian?" He turned back to her and saw her serious face.
"You know that this will have consequences? You know that she will always be suspicious?" Sebastian lowered his head, unable to look at her.
"I know." He said bitterly and Aleksandra had to scold him, if even for a little.
"You know you have to stop drinking?" He then locked his eyes with hers before a weak smile crossed his face.
"Do you think I won´t be able to stop?" Aleksandra took a few steps towards him before she narrowed her eyes at him.
"It seems so. Were you at your senses..." He lifted his head towards her and his eyes narrowed in annoyance. Aleksandra saw the annoyance before she continued to speak, she was certain that her next sentence would shake him out of his drinking problem.
"She spoke to me... About going to Antiva with me." Sebastian´s annoyance was replaced with grief and sadness as he came to stand before Aleksandra.
"What?" He couldn´t say anything else, the big lump in his throat just wouldn´t allow him. He couldn´t even bear the thought of her leaving for Antiva because of his recklessness. Aleksandra watched the features of his face, she was mad at him as well.
"She told me that she needs a break from this place...and from you." Sebastian fell down on the couch, his face between his palms, the mission he had to attend to forgotten. Aleksandra placed her hand on his shoulder as he spoke to her.
"She can´t do this to me." Aleksandra withdrew her hand as she realized his words. She narrowed her eyes at him before she spoke to him.
"Sebastian, it was you who hurt her." He let out a bitter laugh as he lifted his head to look at her.
"And that´s why she leaves me?!"
"She is not leaving you..." She tried to reassure him but his anger got the better part of him, he stood up and paced her room, his hands running through his hair before he turned to her his voice desperate.
"But that´s what you said! You are trying to take her away from me!" That was enough for her to lose her temper.
"SEBASTIAN VAEL!" She yelled at him and she was certain that the entire castle heard her. Sebastian stood there, immobilized, as he watched Aleksandra coming right into his face.
"Don´t you dare blame me for the shit you caused! I told her not to leave Starkhaven, I told her how much she means to you and how much you regret your actions! Don´t you even dare to think that I am your enemy because I swear that this would be your last thought!" She didn´t even cared that he was the prince, he was also her friend, and friends need to yell at each other if necessary. Sebastian realized what an ass he was as Aleksandra turned away from him, her back now turned to him.
"Aleksandra, I am sorry. I just..." She turned and came back to him, her eyes narrowed and flaring with anger as she tried to keep her voice down.
"Sebastian, we all love Marian, and all of us would give anything to keep her safe. I don´t know her as much as you but she is a good girl and that´s why I am yelling at you right now. Because she doesn´t deserve to be treated like this!" She yelled again and Ibrahim burst into the room, when he saw her standing face to face with the prince he knew that he isn´t wanted.
"Prince, Sultana, I am sorry I haven´t realized..." But Aleksandra didn´t pay much attention to him as she continued to talk with Sebastian.
"Do you really think that you are the only one here that would give up anything to keep her safe? What about Varric, or Fenris or even Isabella?" Sebastian didn´t break the eye contact, but what she was telling him is true; everyone would give anything to keep Hawke safe, she brought them together. Sebastian lowered his head and closed his eyes, Aleksandra realized she was a little harsh with him.
"I am only trying to help you, Sebastian. Both of you. I know how much you love her, and believe me she loves you too. But she is a human being and she has feelings, and all this stuff with Rozalyn... I know Varric begged you to keep her, but is she really worth it? To maybe lose Marian because you kept Rozalyn here?" Sebastian lifted his head and locked his eyes with hers.
"No, she is not worth it, but I can´t risk losing Marian because I was not well informed. And I promise you that I will keep my distance from Rozalyn. Maker knows she just brought us trouble." Sebastian wanted to leave but she grabbed his wrist and his eyes snapped to hers.
"I hope you know what you are doing Sebastian. Otherwise you will lose everyone, not just Marian." He shook off her grip and eyed her angrily before he walked out. Aleksandra rubbed her forehead as she sat down on the couch, Ibrahim came closer to her as she leveled her eyes with his.
"You heard everything Ibrahim. Looks like Rozalyn stays here for a while longer." Ibrahim watched her worried face, he hesitated a little to tell her, but then again it could be possible.
"Sultana, if I may suggest something." She eyed him confused but still she nodded her approval as she stood up and walked towards him, her face serious.
"Let me hear it." Ibrahim came a little closer to her before he spoke.
"Sultana, we could try to convert her contacts against her so they are forced to send their letters strictly to Varric."
"I thought about it but how will you intimidate them into betraying their own?" Aleksandra watched Ibrahim who wore a lazy and reassuring smile on his face. That smile of his spoke volumes.
"Let this be my worry Sultana. I will see to this matter personally." Aleksandra reconsidered for a while before she made a decision, a wide smile on her face.
"Very well, this will be your job to take care off. And remember, you have to achieve this before the next letter arrives. They have to believe that they can´t trust her so they are redirecting the letters to Varric, and then she will be useless." Aleksandra was happy as she hoped for their plan to work. Ibrahim bowed and left, he stopped just outside the door as a mean smile spread on his face. It was long since he did some dirty work for Aleksandra, but he gladly did it for her. He made his way out of the castle, he already knew what he would do to make the spies submit.
####
Marian sat alone in her room, the immobility making her crazy. It was one of those moments when she wanted Sebastian next to her, talking to her and making her laugh. She missed his smile and his touch, and she wondered if she reacted too hard with him. She remembered the two slaps she gave him and she felt guilty; she wanted to bring back the moment only to make it different. She wanted to apologize to him, but the wound in her heart was still too deep. She knew they were going to marry in two weeks, as they have agreed the day before she was kidnapped, and she had to smile as she remembered the moment when they decided to marry before the war. Sebastian wanted them together in the Makers light, in case something happens to him during the conflict; he wanted to be with her even at the Makers side and she cried almost the entire night. To lose Sebastian in this war… Marian shook her head as she felt a few tears going down her face, and she quickly chased them away with her hands. It was almost night, and she wondered where Sebastian was; was he in his study, or was he in the gardens? Is he alone? She shook her head as she thought of him and her kissing each other, but she knew how much she meant to him. He kissed her, yes, but only because he was drunk and because she looks the same as Marian, and she couldn´t help but wonder what made him break the kiss, or what made him stop there and not going any further.
"Olga!" Her servant came in and bowed.
"Yes, my Lady?"
"Where is the Prince?" Marian hated herself for asking, but she had to know.
"He is with his guards, my Lady; he said he had to solve a problem around the trading routes he established, some bandits attacked the traders and he went to kill them." Marian nodded with a weak smile on her face, she stared at the blankets in front of her as an idea hit her mind.
"Olga?"
"Yes, my Lady?"
"Bring me the book form my table." Olga walked towards the table and grabbed the book that was on it before she handed it over to her.
"Thank you. You may retreat to your chambers." Olga bowed and left her alone. Marian waited for her to close the door behind her before she opened the book. It was Sebastian´s book and now she had the time to read it through, her heart felt a little lighter, though, now that she could read what he wrote only for her. Her eyes darted through the lines and words and her heart ached as she read the lines that described his loneliness, his despair, his disappointment, his aching heart. She read page after page, the words burning down in her mind and heart as she tried to place herself in his position back then. Would she be that strong for him or anyone else, could she bare all these burdens for him as he did for her, could she wait for him so many years and still hope that she would find him? She didn´t knew the answer, she only knew that she was stupid for reacting the way she did. He didn´t deserve her slaps, not him, not for what he sacrificed for her. Then she realized what how mean she was towards him; all this time he was protecting her and she never wondered if he had the strength to protect her anymore, if he wanted to be protected for a while. She felt silent tears going down her face and she wiped them away as she closed the book, unable to read it anymore. She felt guilty for causing him so much harm, but still he loved her no matter what she would throw at him or how many times she would slap him. She lied down on her bed covering herself with a blanket as she decided to change; she would be the wife he needs, she would be the person she once was, the confident, strong and fearless Champion.
####
The night came and Sebastian entered his study, tired and exhausted. He removed the dirty clothes and took the fresh ones. He changed and he sat in his chair at his desk overlooking the papers, but nothing was urgent so he hastily looked at each paper before he pushed them aside. He looked out of his window and thought about Marian, how she is and if she is well. He remembered how heartbroken she was, how much it hurt her because he kissed another woman. He dared not think about what would happen to him if he slept with Rozalyn or any other woman, she would surely kill him. His face hurt a little from her slaps, but what really hurt him was his heart. He missed her very much and he thought about a way to apologize to her, to bring her back to him. Also, he was afraid that she would call of the wedding, and that would kill him. He stood up and walked out of his room, he came to his destination very quickly and he could see Olga standing in front of the door, he came to her and she bowed.
"Is she sleeping?"
"Yes, Your Highness, she is sleeping for about an hour now." Sebastian nodded and slowly walked past her and silently he entered their bedroom. He opened the door a little and peaked through the little gap to see if she was indeed sleeping, and he saw that she was lying motionless in the middle of the large bed. He entered and closed the door behind him as he watched her with a smile on his face, before he approached her silently. His heart raced in his chest as he saw her chest heaving up and down in an even motion, her breathing deep and even. He sat down on the bed next to her and watched her; now he realized how much he missed her, how much he craved for her warmth, her kiss. He carefully leaned closer to her as he brushed her golden hair from her face, slowly and gently touching her cheek.
"My Marian…" He leaned closer and kissed her forehead and his blood froze as he saw her readjusting. She was turned to him now and he could hear her murmur in her sleep.
"Sebastian…" He thought that she knew that he was here, but he was disappointed as he heard her deep and even breathing. He sat on the floor next to the bed and took her hand in his. He would stay here for the rest of the night until sunrise, then he would go back to his quarters and sleep the little time he had left.
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Two days have passed and Marian´s ribs have healed completely, her forearm was still bound in bandage but she could use her hand normally, and she could walk again. The healer inspected her early so she decided to take a walk through the gardens, the warm wind waving her hair and warming her face. She walked a little before she sat down on the bench and around her, she noticed the many lavenders planted throughout the garden. She inhaled their scent deeply as the memory of their first night together played in her mind; that time he protected her from the murderer and he insisted she slept on his bed. The next morning she woke up and saw all these new plants in his garden, telling her that he did it for her and because she smelled exactly like those flowers. Her mind wandered off and she hadn´t heard that someone else was taking a walk through the gardens. She opened her eyes and her mouth dropped open as she saw Sebastian and Fenris walking towards her, but they haven´t noticed her. They were talking with each other but the talk died as they eyed each other and time immediately stopped, the world around them fading away, until nothing else mattered but his eyes. Fenris walked away as he saw them watching each other like that and hoped that they would forgive each other. Sebastian stood still, he didn´t dare to move but his body relaxed as he saw her smiling at him. She stood up and walked towards him, her smile still on her face as she stopped in front of him. In the meanwhile, Fenris gathered the audience to spy on them; Isabella, Varric and Aleksandra watched from behind the windows, he thought to bring Rozalyn as well but that would only annoy everyone and ruin the mood. They stood there, silent and watching each other as time passed by. The wind waved her hair and scattered her scent to him and he couldn´t help but smile at her.
"I see you are healed, Marian..." He decided to break the silence and she nodded in response as she smiled at him.
"Well my arm still needs to heal but as you see, I am fit..." Then another long and uncomfortable silence, until they both started to speak at the same time, but they silenced immediately and smiled at each other.
"You first..." But he shook his head.
"No, ladies first..." She rolled her eyes as he acted all gentleman like, but she liked that side of him.
"How are you?" He took a deep breath to calm his mind before he spoke.
"Well...not so well, but I am not sick, at least." Then another long silence and she remembered that he wanted to ask her something, too.
"Your turn..." His face grew sad as he looked at her.
"I missed you..." Her stomach did a flip as she watched his expression; he was broken, because of her. Maker...
"That´s not a question..."
"But it´s a statement and it´s true..." They gazed deep into each other's eyes, no one able to break the eye contact. The silence was long and comfortable and she could read volumes in his red and tired eyes.
"Sebastian... We need to talk..." He let out a long breath before he closed his eyes for a moment; he knew she was right.
"Aye, that we do..." They sat down a little away from each other on the same bench where she sat a few moments ago. She looked at the grass in front of her, not able to turn to him and speak. She wanted to tell him so many things, she wanted to apologize for acting like she did. She slowly lifted her eyes towards him only to see him already staring at her, his eyes were red and dark circles formed under them, from lack of sleep she guessed. She watched his hands taking her hand in his and she felt they were cold.
"Sebastian... You are cold." Sebastian gave her a weak smile as he massaged her hand. His hands immediately got warmer as his warmth spread through her entire body.
"That doesn´t matter."
"Sebastian... I want to say I am sorry."
"You don´t have to apologize, I have to; I betrayed you and your trust... All I can do is beg you to forgive me." She watched him as he stared at her hand in his, her heart hurting for seeing him like that. He kissed her, yes, but it hurt her to see him blaming himself for everything.
"Sebastian, I forgive you, but only if you can forgive me..." He leveled his eyes with hers and he could see the doubt in them.
"Why Marian?"
"Because I yelled at you, and because I slapped you...twice..."
"I think I deserved that." He said chuckling and she had to smile. Their eyes locked with one another, unable to look away.
"Marian?"
"Yes?"
"I want you to know that this kiss didn´t meant anything to me." She came closer to him and touched his cheek with her hand. He closed his eyes to enjoy her touch, her warm hand on his face; Maker how he missed her.
"I know. If I thought otherwise I would not be here with you right now." She looked at him and she felt a lone tear going down her face. Sebastian lifted his head a little, he saw the tear and he gently chased it away with his thumb.
"Marian… Leannan."
"Sebastian… I just wish you wouldn´t be so nice to me…" He watched her in confusion and she saw that he didn´t get her meaning.
"I mean, whatever I do or how many problems I bring you, you are still nice to me, and you are blaming yourself for everything." He smiled as he took her hand from his face and he placed gently kisses on her knuckles. She watched him do so before he lifted his head to look at her, then he found the courage and cupped her face.
"Leannan… You are the meaning of my life, how could I not be nice to you, I love you." Then his lips met hers. She closed her eyes as his tongue licked her lower lip demanding entrance, which she gladly gave to him. Their kiss was passionately and deep, the world around them fading away completely. She came closer to him not breaking the kiss as he suddenly grabbed her hips and lifted her on his lap, their kiss growing more demanding and fierce. Marian broke the kiss in need of air and leaned her forehead on his, her eyes only half opened.
"Sebastian… Not here." She spoke between her breaths and she saw him smiling.
"Aye… Not here."
"Hmm, I love it when you say `aye´, it somehow turns me on."
"Everything on me turns you on, huh?" She giggled as he lifted her in his arms and she leaned her head on his chest where she could hear his steady and slow heartbeat.
"You know, I can walk on my own…" He looked down at her as he stopped.
"Do you want to walk?"
"Hmm, no." He smiled as he started to walk again.
"Thought so." They both laughed as they entered the castle. He then lowered her and took her hand as they slowly started to walk to the kitchen. He knew she was hungry, or at least he suspected it because she ate for two now. She closed her eyes and inhaled the scent that went out from the kitchen and she wondered what smelled that good. When they entered she saw the cook´s and their servants as they danced around the kitchen, but when they spotted the prince and his lady, all of them stopped working and they bowed to them.
"Your Highness, my Lady…" Sebastian went to the dining table and looked at the food that was prepared.
"What´s on today´s schedule?" He lifted his head to look at the cook before the cook answered.
"Fish in potato sauce and apple pie, sire." Sebastian looked back at Marian who already licked her lips and Sebastian couldn´t help but smile. He turned back to the cook.
"Do you have anything to eat right now?"
"Yes, we have duck served in avocado and tofu, and we have bananas and grapes." Sebastian nodded to him.
"Could you bring all of that to my room? And tell Henry to bring a few aromatic candles with him." The cook nodded and bowed before Sebastian turned and took Marian´s hand. They walked out of the kitchen and he could see her staring back at the kitchen as he led her towards their bedroom. They entered the room and he swirled her around only to press her hard to his chest, she gasped as she saw his strength and how easily he swirled her around. She placed her hands on his shoulders and watched them as she massaged them.
"Let me guess, you like my hands..." She lifted her head and started to kiss his neck, he closed his eyes as he felt her hot mouth on his neck.
"Yes, I like your hands... And everything on you... Especially this..." She said as she gently grabbed his manhood causing a groan to escape him, he grabbed her hands and pined them behind her back.
"Not now leannan, we have to eat first..." They sat down on the bed, he hugged her tight to him and a moment later Henry entered the room with other servants who were carrying the food and candles. They put the food down on the table and bowed before they left the prince alone with his lady. Sebastian took her hand and guided her towards the table as he readied her chair. She grinned at him before she sat down, he sat next to her as he uncovered the traits. Her eyes widened when she looked at the food and she licked her lips as she grabbed her fork. She grabbed the largest piece of duck she could find and put it on her plate before she started to eat. She was very hungry and she ate the piece in a remarkable speed before she took another piece of meat. Sebastian ate slowly as he watched her and he had it very hard not to burst into laughter. She felt his eyes on her and she turned her head to look at him with a mouth full with meat.
"What?" She asked him as a small piece of meat flew out of her mouth and Sebastian couldn´t help himself and he burst into laughter. Marian narrowed her eyes at him as she swallowed the duck that threatened to fly out of her mouth, too.
"You are so mean! You know that I eat for two!" She yelled at him but that didn´t stop her from eating, she continued as if nothing is wrong, finally Sebastian stopped laughing as he washed his tears away.
"I am sorry, don´t let me disturb you..." He said as he shook his head and returned to his food, a wide smile still on his face. Hawke gave him another mean look before she returned to her food as well. A while later they were stuffed and the food plates were empty. Sebastian took a bowl full with all kinds' of fruits and brought it to the large couch in front of the fireplace before he sat down. Marian followed him and as she sat down he stood up, she watched him confused as he walked to the table were they ate and took the aromatic candles. He walked back to her and placed the candle on the end table to the couch before he lightened it.
"Lie down..." Marian blinked at him confused, not really getting his meaning. Sebastian noticed her confusion and told her again.
"Lie down, trust me..." She obeyed this time as he brought her a pillow from their bed. She put the pillow behind her head and she settled herself, suddenly the light aroma of vanilla filled her nose and she inhaled deeply.
"Hmm, the candles smell so wonderfully?" She asked him as she closed her eyes, the scent slowly dizzying her mind, she felt him lifting her feet as he sat down before he put her feet in his lap.
"Yes, it relaxes your body and mind, doesn´t it?" She felt him remove her shoes and her eyes opened and darted at him.
"What are you doing?" She asked him with a calm voice, her mind and body enjoying the light scent of vanilla through the room. Sebastian removed her other shoe before he slowly started to massage her feet, and suddenly every tension in her body simply left.
"Hmm, that feels so good..." His grip was hard yet soft and her whole body relaxed from his touch. Sebastian was pleased with her reaction and he gladly continued.
"Well, you are pregnant and your feet must hurt, so I thought I could lower your pain a little." He took the fruit bowl and gave it to her.
"Here, take the bowl." Marian opened her eyes and took the bowl, placing it on the end table behind her. She took some grapes as his warm and rough hands massaged her feet.
"Oh yes... That feels so good... Keep doing that and I might forgive you." She slowly ate the grapes, putting grape after grape in her mouth. Sebastian watched her mouth as she put a grape slowly in it, creating a very pleasing sound to his ears.
"I am not making love to you Marian..." He said chuckling to her, her eyes still closed.
"Oh Sebastian, you have the hands of a god... Please don´t stop..." He chuckled again as he took her other foot, massaging it with the same intensity. The vanilla scent filled his nose as well and slowly it clouded his mind, his whole body relaxed and calm as he listened to the soft sounds she created. She turned her head a little to see the contents of the bowl and a wide smile spread on her face as she saw her favorite fruit, bananas. She took one from the bowl, then she slowly removed it´s shell. Sebastian watched her, his eyes getting dark with lust as he watched her putting the banana in her mouth, and soon he imagined something else gliding in her mouth. He continued to massage her, his hands creating a little more pressure than before, causing her to start moaning. She partially opened her eyes and looked at him as she put the banana in her mouth again. Sebastian´s hands stopped and his eyes gazed deep into hers, his desire boiling up inside him. She felt his hands stop and she opened her eyes fully at him.
"Hey why do you stop?" Sebastian gave her a lustful smile as he stood up from the couch and sat on the floor next to her, before he leaned over her ear and whispered to her.
"Why do you tempt me so?" She shuddered as he licked her ear.
"I don´t know what you are talking about... Ooo..." He massaged her breast and started to kiss her neck. She tilted her head to the side to grant him access but he stopped. He wanted her to relax, to forget all of her worries. He stood up and sat down again, placing her feet on his lap.
"Leannan, I want you to relax. I know how much this calms you, so close your eyes and let your worries go away..." She wanted to yell at him because he stopped kissing her, but the feeling of his massage wouldn´t let her, so she did as he asked. She closed her eyes and enjoyed his massage as much as she could. Every muscle in her body relaxed, every bone in her body softened, her mind turned off as his strong and warm hands massaged her feet. Her mind drifted to places, wonderful places she didn´t even thought she could imagine, and in every place Sebastian was with her, with him she was happy and content, she couldn´t imagine living without him. Soon they will become parents and she really looked forward to it.
####
Aleksandra sat in her room, enjoying the solitude and the warm breeze that came form her open window. She enjoyed the stay here, but soon she had to return to Antiva to prepare for the wedding. She was so excited; she never would have thought that Sebastian would marry before her and that made her question herself. Will I ever marry, if so, will I love him? The questions kept popping up in her mind, and soon she grew sad. She remembered her mother and how much she loved her father. Her father always told her to marry someone she loves, but if she wouldn´t find someone soon, she would be forced to marry someone with a high political status. She closed her eyes for a moment to collect her thoughts as suddenly someone knocked on her door.
"Come in." Ibrahim entered her room with a letter in his hands.
"Sultana, a letter from the Sultan." He came closer to her and gave her the letter, he turned and wanted to leave but Aleksandra stopped him.
"Stay here, you don´t need to leave." She unfolded the letter and she noticed the seal of her father on the end of the letter before she started to read it. Her eyes darted between the lines as a wide smile crossed her face.
"I hope the letter brings great news?" Ibrahim asked her and he was rewarded with her smile.
"Yes, my father told me I could stay here until the wedding, if Sebastian is alright with that. Have you seen the prince?"
"I think he is in his chambers, Sultana." Aleksandra stood up and walked out of her room followed by Ibrahim, her smile never leaving her face as she walked towards Sebastian´s room. She came there fast and knocked, before he called her in. Sebastian was sitting on his couch and Marian was lying on it. Marian´s eyes widened as she saw Aleksandra and she wanted to stand up, but Aleksandra pushed her back.
"Marian, please we are friends, and I am happy to see that you are back together again." Marian and Sebastian eyed each other before they looked back at Aleksandra.
"We never broke up Aleksandra, we just had a little fight that´s all..." Sebastian tried to reassure her but Aleksandra just smiled at them as she sat down on a chair next to them.
"I have received a letter from my father, he is already preparing the army. Two hundred thousand soldiers will be ready to support you..." Sebastian´s eyes widened as he heard the number of soldiers the Sultan is going to send. He looked at Marian and she wore the same expression.
"Wow, that´s a lot." Marian said out loud.
"Yes, my Lady, but it is only a small piece of our army and the Sultan has to think about protecting Antiva, too." Ibrahim told her as she blinked at him.
"Well I have to thank the Sultan for his help..." Aleksandra waved her hand at Sebastian.
"Ah don´t worry about that. You can help me when I need a babysitter." They all laughed at that, and Aleksandra tried to stay calm as she tried to tell them the other news.
"The other news is that I can stay at the castle until the wedding, if that is alright with our prince." She grinned at Sebastian who stuck out his tongue to her, her eyes widened at that before she burst into laughter.
"Of course you can stay!" Marian answered for him and Sebastian watched with fake annoyance.
"Hey, I have to decided that!" He said teasingly to her and she rolled her eyes.
"I am the future princess so I can answer that as well." They all laughed, and Ibrahim watched the Sultana and wondered how relaxed she was. Marian stopped laughing as she noticed how Ibrahim watched her, and she couldn´t suppress her smile.
"Actually Aleksandra, I wanted to ask you something..." Aleksandra looked at Sebastian first, but he looked at her confused. She darted her eyes at Marian and she could see that she was a little nervous.
"I wanted to ask you if you want to be my bridesmaid, along with Isabella? You don´t have to accept if you don´t want to." She blushed and she was a little afraid of her answer. Aleksandra watched her confused with a wide smile on her face as the words came to her head.
"I would love that! Of course I will!" She squealed in happiness and all of them laughed, then Marian turned to Sebastian as she took his hands in hers.
"Only if you are okay with that..." Sebastian patted her hand and smiled at her.
"Why would I have anything against it? She is my friend as well as yours. I would be honored to have her as bridesmaid." Aleksandra came to Marian and hugged her.
"Thank you so much..." Then she released her hug and took her hands as she lifted her from the couch.
"Now, have you chosen your wedding dress? Do you know what flowers will be decorating the hall and the Chantry? Have you chosen a dress for me and Isabella?" Marian just blinked at Aleksandra´s questioning assault. Aleksandra read from her face that she has not prepared anything and she let out a long and frustrated breath.
"You haven´t even started yet?" Aleksandra dragged her out of the room as Marian watched Sebastian, giving him a pleading look but he just smiled at her. Ibrahim bowed and walked out with them leaving Sebastian alone. He took a deep breath as he looked out of the window, a wide smile on his face.
"Our wedding day..." He closed his eyes as he thought about the wedding and he remembered that he had to talk with the Grand Cleric about the ceremony. He took his leave as well, they had only two weeks to prepare everything...
####
Aleksandra dragged Hawke to Isabella´s study in hope to find her there. She knocked on the door and luckily, Isabella answered it. Her eyes widened as she saw Aleksandra dragging Marian around and she wondered if something was wrong. Isabella closed the door behind them and walked towards them as Aleksandra let Marian´s hand go.
"What´s the problem?" Isabella asked the Sultana as she sat down. Aleksandra took a deep breath before she answered Isabella.
"Marian hasn't even started with the preparations for her wedding and we are her bridesmaids so we have to give her a hand in the preparations." Isabella´s eyes widened at Marian.
"You haven´t started with the preparations? Marian you have only two weeks, for Makers sake! What have you been thinking about? We have to call the tailor to get your size for the dress." Isabella walked out and yelled for Henry to get the tailor. She came back to her table and took a paper and a pen to write down the things she wants.
"So Hawke, what flowers do you want to have in the Chantry and the main hall?" Marian just watched Isabella, not able to speak. Isabella stood up and walked towards her.
"Hawke, this is your big day. You can allow yourself to be mean, angry, bitchy. You can even yell at the workers, it is allowed for the bride to do so." Marian looked at Isabella as a smile spread across her face.
"Really? I can do that?"
"Yes, but we are your bridesmaids so you are not allowed to yell at us." They all laughed as Hawke sat down with Isabella and Aleksandra.
"Ok I thought about white lilies to decorate the main hall and the carriages, white roses to put in the Chantry and to make boukets out of them." Isabella nodded to her and Aleksandra smiled.
"You are going to get married!" All of them squealed and giggled as they continued to write down everything the bride would desire.
####
Sebastian and a few of his guards made their way to the Chantry, Sebastian hoped that the Grand Cleric would bestow the Makers light upon them regardless of their situation with the Divine Justinia. They came to the Chantry and all of them dismounted their horses. Sebastian walked into the Chantry, the familiar scent of wood and incense bringing back memories of his time in the Kirkwall Chantry. He walked to a sister and she bowed when she recognized the prince.
"Sister, can you tell the Grand Cleric that I request her presence?" The sister bowed and excused herself as she left to search the Grand Cleric. Sebastian stood there and looked around, remembering the Chantry back in Kirkwall. He closed his eyes as he thought about the time he spent there, and how much he changed there over the years. Sadness overwhelmed him as he remembered Elthina, the kind and loving woman who was the victim of a single man's lunacy. He shook his head as the anger threatened to take over his mind, but a calm voice calmed his mind immediately. He opened his eyes only to see the Grand Cleric Eria approaching, he bowed to her but she placed her hands on his shoulder.
"I am sure that I am the one that needs to bow." Sebastian smiled at her as he shook his head, she reminded him so much of Elthina.
"Your Grace, I was wondering if you have a few minutes to spare. I need to talk to you." Her eyes widened a little at his request, she pointed him to walk towards the garden of the Chantry, they walked in silence before they entered the garden, he sat down next to her on a bench.
"Tell me child, what is on your mind." Sebastian closed his eyes for a moment as he took a deep breath to calm his mind.
"I am going to marry, Your Grace, and I thought you would lead the sermon." The Grand Cleric´s old eyes widened a little before a smile spread on her face.
"I would be honored, Your Highness." Sebastian smiled weakly and she noticed that something is bothering him.
"What is it, child?"
"The Divine Justinia won´t probably accept my marriage..." Her eyes widened in shock.
"Why wouldn´t she?" He took another deep breath before he spoke to her. She will find out, sooner or later.
"Because it is Lady Hawke who will be my bride..." He lowered his head. Now she is going to gasp and start talking about how I can marry a fugitive, a criminal... Sebastian thought that she would scold him, but the Grand Cleric just watched him, without saying a word. He lifted his head only to see her staring at him.
"You really love this woman, then?" Sebastian was surprised to see her so calm despite the fact that he told her who she is.
"Yes, and I know that she is innocent because..." She raised her hand and interrupted him.
"I know that you wouldn´t risk so much if you weren't so sure about her." She looked away from him for a moment and she took a deep breath before she turned her head back to him.
"I will lead the sermon, don´t worry. I will bestow upon you the Makers light." Sebastian looked at her, not believing her words until he realized what she said, a wide smile spreading across his face as he took her hands in his.
"Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you so much." The Grand Cleric smiled at him as she took her hand back and patted his shoulder.
"There is nothing to thank for. I just hope that you do the right thing. May the Maker watch over you..." Sebastian stood up and bowed before he took his leave. He was grateful for her understanding and her help, he knew how much she could lose, but he swore that he would protect her from the divines wrath. Sebastian and his guards made their way back to the castle, his heart hundred times lighter now that he knows that they will get the Makers light upon them.
Notes:
Howdy, another chapter. Sorry for the delay, but the Eastern preparation left me little time to write. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and let me know what you think. By the way, Happy Eastern!
P.s: A foot massage from Sebastian... mmm, I would love that, what about you? :D